Firm news
Accident Q&A series
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What happens after my personal injury settlement demand is sent to the insurance company? — Durham, NC
The insurance adjuster usually reviews coverage, fault, medical documentation, and claimed losses before responding with an offer, a request for more…
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What happens after my lawyer sends a settlement demand to the insurance company? — Durham, NC
After your lawyer sends a settlement demand, the insurance adjuster usually reviews the evidence, evaluates fault and damages, and then accepts the…
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What evidence do I need to show the other driver caused my injuries? — Durham, NC
You generally need evidence connecting two separate points: the other driver caused the crash, and the crash caused your injuries. A police report…
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What does it mean when an insurance company offers policy limits in a car accident case? — Durham, NC
A policy-limits offer usually means the at-fault driver’s insurer is offering the most it says it must pay under the applicable liability coverage.…
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What can I do if the insurance company settled the vehicle damage with the vehicle owner but has not paid for my personal property? — Durham, NC
You can submit a separate written claim for personal property that you owned and that was damaged or lost in the collision. Under North Carolina law,…
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What can I do if the insurance company does not respond to my settlement demand? — Durham, NC
Send a written follow-up confirming that the insurer received the settlement demand, ask whether anything is missing, and request a response date.…
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How does another passenger's injury claim affect the insurance money available after a car accident? — Durham, NC
Another passenger’s injury claim can reduce the at-fault driver’s liability insurance available to you because bodily injury coverage usually has…
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How does a car accident settlement work when a minor child was injured? — Durham, NC
A minor child’s car accident settlement in North Carolina generally requires more protection than an adult settlement, including representation for…
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How do I know who is responsible for a motor vehicle accident? — Durham, NC
Responsibility depends on who failed to use reasonable care or violated a traffic rule and whether that conduct caused the accident. Police reports,…
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How do I know whether an insurance settlement offer is fair? — Durham, NC
A fair insurance settlement offer should reasonably account for the strength of your claim, your documented losses, available coverage, unresolved…
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How do I decide whether to accept or negotiate an insurance settlement offer after an accident? — Durham, NC
Compare the offer with the evidence supporting fault, your documented losses, unresolved medical expenses, possible future effects, and any claims…
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How do I deal with insurance after a motor vehicle accident? — Durham, NC
Report the accident promptly, keep your communications accurate and brief, and save every document related to the crash. Before giving a detailed…
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How are property damage claims handled when insurance policy limits may affect payment? — Durham, NC
A property damage claim must be supported by evidence of ownership, responsibility for the loss, and the property’s value before an insurer decides…
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How are personal injury claims handled when two people are injured in the same accident? — Durham, NC
Each injured person usually has a separate personal injury claim, even though both claims arise from the same accident. The insurer may investigate…
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How are medical bills used in a personal injury settlement? — Durham, NC
Medical bills help document the cost, dates, and type of care connected to an injury, but they do not determine a settlement by themselves. In North…
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Does an expired driver’s license affect my injury or property damage claim if the other driver was at fault? — Durham, NC
An expired driver’s license does not automatically prevent you from bringing an injury or property damage claim against an at-fault driver in North…
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Can vehicle problems caused by an accident be included in my personal injury claim? — Durham, NC
Yes. Vehicle problems caused by a crash may be included in the overall accident claim, although insurers often handle them as a property damage claim…
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Can my personal injury claim be reviewed before all medical bills are received? — Durham, NC
Yes. A personal injury claim can usually receive a preliminary review before every medical bill arrives. However, an outstanding bill may prevent a…
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Can my personal injury case still settle after the first insurance offer? — Durham, NC
Yes. A first insurance offer is usually an opening position, not the end of settlement discussions. You may respond with questions, additional…
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Can my own insurance company review my injuries before offering underinsured motorist benefits? — Durham, NC
Yes. Before offering underinsured motorist benefits, your insurance company generally may evaluate whether the crash caused your injuries and the…
